Sometimes it want start at all
The worst 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Acceleration12
- Electrical8
- Fuel system4
- Body2
- Tires2
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Acceleration12
- Electrical8
- Fuel system4
- Body2
- Tires2
- Visibility2
- Airbags1
- Engine1
- Lights1
- Locks1
- Seat belts1
- Transmission1
Recalls 4
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor
- What is wrong
- On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 16-inch wheels, the front brake discs may break under severe driving conditions. The breakage can occur in conditions where the vehicle is driven on a regular basis on extremely steep paved down-slopes while continuously applying the brakes.
- Risk
- The front brakes may become inoperative and the vehicle may pull to one side. This could result in a crash without prior warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the front brake discs on these vehicles. The recall began on november 10, 2005. These vehicles are located on st. Thomas island (virgin islands). Owners may contact suzuki del caribe at 787‑622‑0600.
Recall number 05V452000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles, under ambient temperatures below -25 degrees celsius, moisture can freeze in the fuel pressure regulator. As a result, fuel system pressure may increase at the time of engine start up, causing fuel loss at the fuel pipe/fuel hose connection.
- Risk
- Fuel loss in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the fuel pressure regulator, the fuel deliver hose and replace the hose clamp with an improved clamp. The recall began on september 29, 2004. Owners should contact suzuki at 1‑800‑934‑0934.
Recall number 04V427000 · Recall details
Vehicle speed control: cables
- What is wrong
- On certain sport utility vehicles, the accelerator cable casing cap that is attached to the vehicle firewall can crack due to extended exposure to forces from the accelerator cable and insufficient long-term durability of the plastic casing cap. If the casing cap becomes cracked, movement of the inner accelerator cable through the cap can cause the inner accelerator cable to become frayed.
- Risk
- If the inner accelerator cable becomes frayed, it can stick during vehicle operation. In the case where an accelerator cable sticks, the driver could have difficulty controlling vehicle speed, which could result in a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the accelerator cable, which includes the plastic casing cap. Owner notification began on january 5, 2004. Owners should contact suzuki at 1‑800‑934‑0934.
Recall number 03V512000 · Recall details
Visibility: windshield
- What is wrong
- Certain passenger (111 my 2002 esteem, 777 my 2002 aerio, 2,368 my 2003 aerio) and sport utility (324 my 2002 grand vitara, 274 my 2003 grand vitara, 684 my 2002 grand vitara xl-7, and 781 my 2003 grand vitara xl-7) vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 212, 'windshield mounting." the windshield may not be properly secured to the vehicle body due to insufficient adhesion between the paint applied during the second-stage painting process and the paint applied during final-stage painting.
- Risk
- If the windshield is not properly secured, it may separate from the vehicle during a crash which could result in the ejection of unbelted occupants, increasing the risk of severe injury or death.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect these vehicles. Vehicles that are found to have insufficient paint adhesion will either have the problem remedied by repainting, or will be replaced, or repurchased and destroyed. Owner notification began on july 8, 2003. Owners should contact suzuki at 1‑800‑934‑0934.
Recall number 03V223000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara 12
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Reminder of the importance to conduct safety inspections for rust damage to suspension and related parts...
- This Service Bulletin was sent by Suzuki Motor Corporation to its authorized Suzuki automobile...
- Exhaust noise CAN be heard from under the vehicle
- ECM reprogramming for poor cold start
- Modification of main bearing oil clearance and the bearing selection procedure
- Service manual update, a/c wiring diagram correction grand vitara SQ625W/XL-7 JA627 sc
- Modification of main bearing oil clearance and the bearing selection procedure
- Oil leaking from left front of engine
- Replacing positive battery cable because 100 amp fuse is open
- Oil level reads at low mark on oil level dip stick
2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 6‑cyl | RWD | 17 | 19-20 | 18 |
| 2.5L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 16-17 | 19-20 | 17-18 |
| 2.7L 6‑cyl | RWD | 15-16 | 18-19 | 17 |
| 2.7L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 15-16 | 18-19 | 16-17 |
What 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
This complaint is related to an existing recall on my 2003 suzuki grand vitara. While driving two days ago, the throttle cable became stuck and the vehicle would not stop accelerating. I was ultimately able to pull the vehicle off the road and turn it off. Afterward, I discovered an open recall for the throttle cable housing. However, the recall was issued before I purchased the vehicle new from the suzuki dealer in 2004. I purchased the vehicle on january 9, 2004, the recall was issued in december 2003. I understand that it is illegal for suzuki to have sold the vehicle with an open recall. I was never notified of the recall. Suzuki's negligence put me in great danger and resulted in towing and other costs that would have been avoided if the recall was properly handled before I purchased the vehicle. I have contacted suzuki motors of america to describe this problem, but there only offer it to fix the recall items free of charge. They have not acknowledged their error in selling the vehicle with an open recall, nor any responsibility for the additional costs I've incurred as a result of their negligence.
My gas cover fell off my car do to the latch holding it on.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 suzuki grand vitara. The contact experienced difficulty starting the vehicle. He discovered that the battery cable was grounding out against the body of the vehicle, which caused the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle is unsafe due to the current recalls on the vehicle, although he has not experienced any of the failures noted in the recalls. The failure mileage was 70,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 suzuki grand vitara. The vehicle is experiencing fuel loss in the ignition source. Whenever the contact attempts to turn the ignition, the vehicle will not start. She took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that fuel was not entering the ignition, causing a no-start condition. The manufacturer stated that the previous owner of the vehicle had it repaired under a recall for this same failure; therefore, they refused to repair it again. The contact feels that the vehicle was not properly repaired if the failure is recurring. The vehicle is currently parked at her home and has not been repaired. The recall number was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 64,000.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving under any conditions or speed, the brake lights fail due to a blown fuse. Afterwards when the vehicle is stopped, it us unable to be placed into the park position until the fuse has been replaced. The vehicle was taken to dealer for inspection. It was determined the electrical system was the problem however it is unknown what repairs will correct the problem.
Dt: consumer stated she was in an accident on 6-19-05. Someone hit her. The car turned upside down and landed on its top. The person who hit her was going approx. 70 MPH when she came across the lane of traffic and hit her. She was hit on the passenger side door. The air bags did not deploy. She feels that because the car flipped over, the air bags should have deployed. She has not notified the manufacturer or the dealer. The car was totaled.
Because of excessive usage, the rear right seat belt shredded in half. Owner contacted the dealer, who informed the owner that the vehicle was out of warranty, and owner would have to pay for the repairs. Provide further details.
Continually upon starting vehicle, go inside and came back out it would not restart. The consumer had to file for bankrupcy and voluntary repo because he could not afford to take the vehicle from state to state to be serviced. Campaign id number : 04v427000
The consumer received three recall notice for her 2003 grand vitara xl-7. Everytime the consumer called to make an appointment, she was told by the dealer, they were waiting on the parts. *tc
Compare the 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara
Other model years
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Questions about the 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara
Is the 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara reliable?
Owners have filed 29 complaints about the 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara, 1.4 times a typical Grand Vitara model year.
What is the 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara year score?
The 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara scores 60 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Suzuki Grand Vitara: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara?
Acceleration and speed control, with 12 complaints. Next is electrical (8).
How many recalls does the 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara have?
4 recalls, covering service brakes, hydraulic, fuel system, gasoline and vehicle speed control.
Was there a recall on the 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara acceleration?
Yes, 1 recall: 03V512000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Suzuki Grand Vitara have the most acceleration problems?
The Suzuki Grand Vitara model years with the most acceleration complaints are 2002 (16 complaints), 2003 (12 complaints) and 1999 (10 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara get?
Official estimates for the 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara range from 16 to 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.5L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 17 city and 19-20 highway.
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